By Barry Hirshfeld
Attending the French-American School of Silicon Valley for elementary school, I possessed a diverse schedule––learning all subjects in both English and French. Instruction in different languages led to my trilingual fluency, reinforcing my immersion in other cultures. I travel every summer to visit family in Israel and sightsee throughout European countries; specifically, vacations in France and Martinique (French-speaking countries) allowed me to utilize my linguistic skills and connect to the intertwined cultures.
When visiting France, my family and I inhabited a cluttered apartment in the Latin Quarters, near the Pantheon, botanical gardens, and National Museum of the Middle Ages. Unaccustomed to lacking air conditioning, we suffered in the sweltering heat. Walking and utilizing private transport (Uber/Lyft and taxis), we reached many tourist hotspots, including but not limited to: the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre, the Arc of Triumph, etc… Speaking the native language, whether in casual encounters with locals, ordering for my family at coffee shops/restaurants, etc… allowed me to experience distinct aspects of French culture, contrasting my encounters with those of tourists.
My vacation in Martinique pertained to more limited experiences, as we spent less time traveling the French-speaking Caribbean island, and more time on the beach and enjoying the resort. The island’s natural environment is very appealing, and its main attraction, volcano Mount Pelee, remains active. Its foliage and beaches accumulate to a serene tropical vacation. I utilized my French very effectively, especially when directly translating between the worker at the car-rental company and my father. Through day trips, we visited local towns, hiked in nature, and spent peaceful afternoons on the beach. This vacation perfectly balanced adventuring and relaxation.